Soprano actor Tony Sirico, who played Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri on the hit HBO show, has died at the age of 79, his family has announced.
The actor, who appeared in all six seasons of The Sopranos alongside James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, died Friday morning.
Sirico also starred in other gangster films and shows such as Lilyhammer, A Bronx Tale and Goodfellas.
A statement posted on Facebook by his brother Robert Sirico thanked fans for their condolences and asked for privacy after the news.
“It is with great sadness, but with incredible pride, love and lots of fond memories, that the family of Gennaro Anthony‘ Tony ’Sirico wants to inform you of his death on the morning of July 8, 2022,” the statement said. to read.
“The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and condolences and calls on the public to respect their privacy in this time of mourning.”
Sirico’s Sopranos co-star Michael Imperioli paid tribute to his “dear friend, colleague and fellow criminal” after the news.